Jim represents clients in intellectual property and commercial litigation, including complex disputes involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and trade dress.
Experience
Representative matters
Representative matters
Insight Direct USA, Inc. v. Gorilla, Inc., American Arbitration Association – 01-18-0004-2330 – Represented plaintiff in action against defendants for breach of software license agreement and unlawful business practices and won a seven-figure damage award.
Philips Medical Systems, et al. v. Transtate, et al., W.D.N.C., Court No. 20-cv -00021 - Obtained jury verdict for Philips following a four-week trial involving claims for trade secret misappropriation, violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and defending counterclaims for antitrust and unlawful business practice claims.
Dana Nessel ex. rel the People of the State of Michigan v. AmeriGas Propane et al - Represented AmeriGas Propane in a class action brought by the Michigan Attorney General alleging unfair trade practices under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Matter settled favorably for client.
Experience
Insight Direct USA, Inc. v. Gorilla, Inc., American Arbitration Association – 01-18-0004-2330 – Represented plaintiff in action against defendants for breach of software license agreement and unlawful business practices and won a seven-figure damage award.
Philips Medical Systems, et al. v. Transtate, et al., W.D.N.C., Court No. 20-cv -00021 - Obtained jury verdict for Philips following a four-week trial involving claims for trade secret misappropriation, violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and defending counterclaims for antitrust and unlawful business practice claims.
Dana Nessel ex. rel the People of the State of Michigan v. AmeriGas Propane et al - Represented AmeriGas Propane in a class action brought by the Michigan Attorney General alleging unfair trade practices under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Matter settled favorably for client.
Eastman Kodak Company v. Sun Microsystems, Inc. (W.D.N.Y. 02-6074) - Jury found Sun's Java computer platform infringe Kodak patents, resulting in public settlement with Sun paying Kodak $92 million in exchange for a license under Kodak's patents. At the close of the trial, U.S. District Judge Michael A. Telesca stated that "in the 30-some years that I have been on the bench and 22 years in this courtroom, I have never presided over a case that was so well prepared and well presented in such a professional manner as both sides presented this case." (Transcript, October 7, 2004)
HotSamba, Inc. v. Caterpillar Inc. and i2 Technologies, Inc. (N.D. Ill. 01 cv 5540) - Secured settlement, following jury verdict in favor of HotSamba, for copyright infringement and misappropriation of trade secrets involving software database program.
Ashley Furniture Industries v. Laura Ashley Holdings, N.D. IL, Court No. 11-cv-4009/AAA 51 133 Y 01056 08 - Successfully defended Laura Ashely in week-long American Arbitration Association arbitration and challenge in district court in trademark and breach of contract action.
Philips North America LLC v. Probo Medical, LLC 2:21-cv-00298 (SDWVA) - Represent Philips in trade secret misappropriation and violation of the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
Davis Applied Technologies, Inc. v. R.E. Davis Chemical Corporation, et al. (Cir. Ct. DuPage County, Ill., No. 05 CH 1077) - Secured settlement for John Davis in a breach of license agreement and misappropriate of trade secrets related matter.
Playboy.com, Inc. vs. EFashion Solutions, LLC (N.D. Ill. 09 C 3657) - Secured settlement for Playboy in a breach of license agreement and misappropriation of trade secrets matter.
IFS North America, Inc. v. Sunrider Manufacturing, L.P. (Cir. Ct. Cook County, Ill. No. 05 CH 17559) - Secured settlement for IFS North America, Inc. in a breach of license agreement and misappropriation of trade secrets matter.
Trial
Insight Direct USA, Inc. v. Gorilla, Inc., American Arbitration Association – 01-18-0004-2330 – Represented plaintiff in action against defendants for breach of software license agreement and unlawful business practices and won a seven-figure damage award.
Philips Medical Systems, et al. v. Transtate, et al., W.D.N.C., Court No. 20-cv -00021 - Obtained jury verdict for Philips following a four-week trial involving claims for trade secret misappropriation, violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and defending counterclaims for antitrust and unlawful business practice claims.
Dana Nessel ex. rel the People of the State of Michigan v. AmeriGas Propane et al - Represented AmeriGas Propane in a class action brought by the Michigan Attorney General alleging unfair trade practices under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Matter settled favorably for client.
Eastman Kodak Company v. Sun Microsystems, Inc. (W.D.N.Y. 02-6074) - Jury found Sun's Java computer platform infringe Kodak patents, resulting in public settlement with Sun paying Kodak $92 million in exchange for a license under Kodak's patents. At the close of the trial, U.S. District Judge Michael A. Telesca stated that "in the 30-some years that I have been on the bench and 22 years in this courtroom, I have never presided over a case that was so well prepared and well presented in such a professional manner as both sides presented this case." (Transcript, October 7, 2004)
HotSamba, Inc. v. Caterpillar Inc. and i2 Technologies, Inc. (N.D. Ill. 01 cv 5540) - Secured settlement, following jury verdict in favor of HotSamba, for copyright infringement and misappropriation of trade secrets involving software database program.
Ashley Furniture Industries v. Laura Ashley Holdings, N.D. IL, Court No. 11-cv-4009/AAA 51 133 Y 01056 08 - Successfully defended Laura Ashely in week-long American Arbitration Association arbitration and challenge in district court in trademark and breach of contract action.
Patent Litigation
Martin v. Nintendo of America, Inc. (N.D. Ill. 08 C 1398) - Stayed pending re-examination of patent in USPTO regarding interface device for Wii video game.
Red River Fiber Optic Corporation v. Verizon Services Corp., et al. (E.D. Tex. 08 cv 00215) - Represented Qwest Communications Corporation regarding their fiber optic telecommunications network; currently pending.
Furnace Brook, LLC V. Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (N.D. Ill. 08 cv 4656) - Secured settlement for Playboy in a matter regarding electronic cataloging and selection of videos.
Fotomedia Technologies, LLC v. American Greetings Corp., et al. (E.D. Tex. 08 cv 202) - Secured settlement for American Greetings Corp. in a matter involving electronic photo sharing.
EZ4Media, Inc. v. NETGEAR, Inc., D-Link Corporation and D-Link Systems, Inc. (N.D. Ill. 08 cv 3729) - Secured settlement for D-Link Systems in a matter involving streaming digital media.
Dream Visions, LLC v. Planet 3, LLC (C.D. Cal. 06 cv 00372) - Secured settlement for Planet 3 for their design patent for playground equipment.
Nalco Mobotec v. Alstom Power, Inc. (N.D. Ill. 09-cv-05195) - Represented Nalco Company in a matter involving the removal of mercury from the combustion gas of furnaces; currently pending.
MPH Technologies Oy v. Netgear, Inc. et al. (N.D. Ill. 10 cv 684) - Representing Netgear, in a currently pending matter.
Juxtacomm-Texas Software, LLC v. Axway, Inc. et al. (E.D. Tex. 10 cv 00011) - Represented Insight Enterprises regarding a system for transforming and exchanging data between distributed computer systems; currently pending.
Smartphone Technologies, LLC v. Insight Enterprises, et al. (E.D. Tex. 10 cv 74) - Represented Insight Enterprises regarding a power conserving device; currently pending.
Trademark Litigation
What A Smoke, LLC v. Duracell US Operations, Inc. et al DNJ-2-19-cv-16657 - Currently defending The Duracell Company in trademark infringement in New Jersey District Court. Defeated plaintiff’s motion for preliminary injunction. Case involves plaintiff’s alleged rights in the Optimum trademark for vaping devices versus Duracell Optimum alkaline batteries.
ISP.Net, LLC d/b/a IQuest Internet vs. Qwest Communications International Inc. (S.D. Ind., IP01-0480 CB/S) - Secured settlement for Qwest Communications International, Inc. in trademark infringement matter.
Insight Enterprises, Inc. v. Insight Communications Company, Inc. (N.D. Cal. 08 cv 03573-SC) - Secured settlement for Insight Enterprises, Inc. in a trademark infringement and false advertising matter.
Insight Enterprises, Inc. v. America's Vacation Center (N.D. Cal. C08-02816-CW) - Secured settlement for Insight Enterprises, Inc. in a trademark and false advertising matter.
Insight Direct USA, Inc. v. Insight Global, Inc. (U.S. Patent & Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, Opposition No. 91175088 & 91174333) - Secured settlement for Insight Enterprises, Inc. in a trademark infringement matter.
Insight Enterprises v. Insight Financial Group - Secured settlement for Insight Enterprises, Inc. in a trademark infringement matter.
Team Air Express v. Alliance Shippers, Inc. (U.S .Patent & Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, Cancellation No. 92043162) - Represented Alliance Shippers, Inc. in a trademark infringement matter that was tried in the TTAB.
Lumber Liquidators v. Flooring 101 (C.D. Cal. 09 cv 3381) - Represented Flooring 101, Inc. in a trademark infringement and false advertising matter; currently pending.
Twenty Ones Incorporated v. Clubnet Global Corporation (N.D. Ill. 10 cv 1762) - Representing The 40/40 Club in a trademark infringement matter, which is pending after obtaining a TRO precluding defendants' infringement of plaintiff's trademark.
Copyright Litigation
Invenergy Nelson, LLC v. Dick Corporation (S.D. NY, 05-1839 (bankruptcy)) - Secured settlement for Invenergy, LLC regarding copyright infringement of architectural plant drawings.
Ricky Allen v. Destiny's Child, et al. (N.D. Ill. 06 cv 6606) - Secured settlement for Beyonce Knowles regarding copyright infringement of a song, allegedly written by plaintiff.
United Financial Technologies, Inc. v. British American Island Holdings, Ltd., et al. (Cir. Ct. Cook County, Ill., No. 07 CH 20773) - Represented United Financial Technologies, Inc. in a breach of license agreement matter; currently pending.
Trade Secret Litigation
Philips North America LLC v. Advanced Imaging Services Inc. 2:21-cv-00876-JAM-AC (EDCA) - Represent Philips in trade secret misappropriation and violation of the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and Digital Millennium Copyright Act . Matter is currently pending.
Philips North America LLC v. Probo Medical, LLC 2:21-cv-00298 (SDWVA) - Represent Philips in trade secret misappropriation and violation of the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
Davis Applied Technologies, Inc. v. R.E. Davis Chemical Corporation, et al. (Cir. Ct. DuPage County, Ill., No. 05 CH 1077) - Secured settlement for John Davis in a breach of license agreement and misappropriate of trade secrets related matter.
Playboy.com, Inc. vs. EFashion Solutions, LLC (N.D. Ill. 09 C 3657) - Secured settlement for Playboy in a breach of license agreement and misappropriation of trade secrets matter.
IFS North America, Inc. v. Sunrider Manufacturing, L.P. (Cir. Ct. Cook County, Ill. No. 05 CH 17559) - Secured settlement for IFS North America, Inc. in a breach of license agreement and misappropriation of trade secrets matter.
Wickes Holdings, LLC (U.S. Dist. Del. No. 08-10212 (bankruptcy)) - Secured settlement for IFS North America in a breach of license agreement and misappropriation of trade secrets matter.
S2 Yachts v. IFS North America - Secured settlement for IFS North America in a breach of license agreement and misappropriation of trade secrets matter.
Insight Direct USA, Inc. v. MoreDirect, Inc., et al. (Cir. Ct. Cook County, Ill. No. 08 CH 29941) - Secured settlement for Insight Enterprises in trade secret misappropriation matter.
Secured settlement for Invenergy, LLC (NJ Nakhamkin) in a misappropriation of trade secrets.
Invenergy, LLC, et al. v. Alistair Jessop (Cir. Ct. Cook County, Ill., No. 08 L 10076) - Secured settlement for Invenergy, LLC in a misappropriation of trade secrets matter.
Alliance Associates, L.C. v. Alliance Shippers, Inc., et al. (Cir. Ct. Wayne County, Mich., No. 06-617048) - Secured settlement for Alliance Shippers in a misappropriation of trade secrets matter.
Hagerty v. DTCI, et al. (Cir. Ct. Cook County, Ill., No. 04 L 010356) - Secured settlement for DTCI in a misappropriation of trade secrets matter.
Windynamics, Inc. v. Invenergy Wind, LLC (U.S. Dist. of Montana, No. 05-151-BLG-RFC) - Secured settlement for Invenergy, LLC in a misappropriation of trade secrets matter.
Red Willow Energy, LLC vs. Northwestern Corporation - Secured settlement for Invenergy, LLC in a misappropriation of trade secrets matter.
Brake Parts, Inc. v. Satisfied Brake Products, Inc. et al. (N.D. Ill. 09 cv 7955) - Represented Satisfied Brake in a misappropriation of trade secrets matter, that is still pending.
Bridgeview Aerosol, LLC v. Black Flag Brands, LLC (U.S. Dist. Minn. 09 cv 1817-JNE-SRN) - Represented Bridgeview Aerosol in a week long arbitration.
Knowles Electronics, LLC v. InvenSense, Inc. et al., (Du Page County Ill 2014) - Represented defendant InvenSense, Inc. against claims of trade secret misappropriation relating to MEMS microphone technology. Drafted dispositive motion to dismiss against claims of trade secret misappropriation.
Recognitions
Recipient of Reed Smith’s 2026 Shaw’s Lion Award, presented annually to a partner in recognition of outstanding contributions to clients and the partnership
Recognized in the Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyers list (formerly known as Acritas Stars), 2019 – 2026.
- Named an IP Star by Managing Intellectual Property, 2025
Credentials
Education
Education
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 1990, J.D.
- Illinois Wesleyan University, 1986, B.S.
Court admissions
Court admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Seventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Court - Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court - Central District of Illinois
- State Supreme Court - Illinois
- U.S. District Court - Northern District of Indiana
Professional affiliations
Professional affiliations
- American Bar Association Section on Intellectual Property
- Chicago Bar Association
- Licensing Executives Society
- Computer Law Association
- Defense Research Institute
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